Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-09-29

notice, is II probable that an empire can rise
without a aidP We have been assured sir, Ia
the sacred writings that except the Lord build
the house they labor in vain that build it.
firmly believe this, and I also believe that
without his concurring aid we shall succeed in
this political building no bett than the build.
ers of Babel We shall be divided by our little
partial local interests, projects will be con-
founded, and we ourselves shall become a re-
proach and by-word down to future ages and,
what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from
this unfortunate instance, despair of establish.
ing governments by human wisdom, and leave
IL to chance, war, and conquest
"In the face OF all discouragements tho faith
ers OF the republic labored on for four long,
weary months, in alternate hope and fear, but
always with rugged resolve, never faltering In
sturdy ehdeavor, sanctihed by prophetic
sense of the value to posterity OF their success,
and always with unflinching faith in the prin.
ciples which make the foundation Of govern
ment by the people
AT last their task was done. 1t is related
that upon the back of the chair occupied by
Washington as the President of the convention
sun was painted, and that as the delegates
were signing the completed Constitution ono
course of the session, and in the solicitude OF
my hopes and fears as to its ISSUE looked at
that behind the President without being able
to tell whether it was rising or setting. But
now, at length, 1 know that It is rising and
not setting SUM-
~We stand to-day on the spot where this ris-
ing sun emerged from political night and dark
ness, and in its own bright meridian light we
mark its glorious way. Clouds have sometimes
obscured its rays, and dreadful storms have
made US fear but God has held IL in its course,
and through its life-giving warmth has per-
formed his latest miracle in the creation Of this
wondrous land and people.
"As we look down the past century to the ori-
gin of our Constitution as we contemplate its
trials and its triumphs as we realize how com;
petely the principles upon which 1t Is based
have met every national peril and every ma
tional need, how devoutly should we confess
with Franklin, God governs in the affairs Of
men, and how solemn should be the reflection
that to our hands Is committed this ark OF the
peoples covenant, and that ours is the duty to
shiold it from impious hands. We receive it
sealed with the tests OF a century. 1t has been
found sufficient in the past, and in all the fu-
ture years it will be found sufficient IL the
American people will be true to their trust
Another centennial day will come, and mill
RgSaYats nn2pa9dp a9dp tXb siqgtyror seerptRGsr fur
tion. God grant that they may find it unim-
paired and, US we rejoice at the patriotism
and devotion OF those who lived hundred
years ago, so may others who follow us rejoice
in our fidelity, and in our jealous love for con-
stitutional liberty"
The President concluded his remarks at II :0j,
and on taking his seat was greeted with tre-
mendous roar of applause. In the middle OF
the cheers the chorus broke into song, and for
a few minutes the noise was simply deafeninc.
When quiet had been restored United States
Supreme Court Justice Miller stepped to the
front of the stand, and facing the assembled
dignitaries, began the delivery of his oration.
He held his audience spellbound, and was FOL
lowed with rapt attention. He described briefly
the work of forming the Constitution and the
objections made to the drawing up OF the in
strument He also touched on the mode OF se-
lect.ng United States Senator'S. He closed his
address with the recitation OF quotation
from Chancellor Kent During the Grafton Mrs.
Cleveland sat beside Secretary Bayard, who
protected her from tho suns rays. Justice
Miller's address occupied one hour In delivery.
The new national hymn, which was contrib
uted by f. Marion Harland, was then recited by
Prof. Murdoch with chorus of two hundred
mems voices
At 40 President Kasson. of the Commission,
gently took tho arm OF Cardinal Gibbons, who.